Update on the BC First Nations and Aboriginal Maternal and Child Health Strategy Area March 9,

Overview Mat/Child Health Actions Context Strategic Direction Structure Current Work Discussion 2

Providing vision, hearing and dental screening for Aboriginal children Improving access to the full range of maternity services for Aboriginal women Addressing issues arising from the BC Coroner’s Office Child Death Review Report Developing an informational campaign about seatbelt use and safe driving Maternal and Child Health Actions The Transformative Change Accord: First Nations Health Plan and the Tripartite First Nations Health Plan contain 4 health actions specific to maternal and child health: 3

Maternal and child health priorities were identified by First Nations communities through the following: BC First Nations Submission on Blueprint for Aboriginal Health (2005) 3 Gathering Wisdom Forums (April 2007, May 2008, Nov 2009) Health Directors Forum (Sept 30 – Oct ) Regional Caucuses – FN Leadership Feedback and Input on Maternal and Child Health Issues (2008 – 2010) 4 Identification of Mat/Child Health Priorities by First Nations Communities

Strategic Direction for the Future Vision That First Nations and Aboriginal women, mothers, and children (0-6 years) are supported to reach and maintain optimal health outcomes. 5

Strategic Direction for the Future Mission Promoting the health and well-being of First Nations and Aboriginal women, mothers, and children by: –Identifying barriers to services and approaches to overcoming barriers –Identifying ‘better’ or ‘best’ practices which enhance health outcomes –Closing the gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal health outcomes –Ensuring the availability of culturally relevant and appropriate resources and services –Ensuring equity of access to health resources and services 6

Strategic Direction for the Future 7 Priorities

Mat/Child Health Structure 8 Implementation Examples Strategic Direction & Planning Tripartite Committee for First Nations and Aboriginal Maternal & Child Health Childhood Screening Infant Safe Sleep Aboriginal Doula Initiative Complex Needs Discharge Planning

Current Work 9 Childhood screening Vision: –Screening equipment loans and training for communities Hearing: –Penelakut producing DVD to increase awareness and access to infant screening Oral Health: –Seabird Island produced DVD outlining child’s first dentist visit –Environmental scan complete in preparation for a First Nations and Aboriginal Oral Health Strategy

Current Work 10 Infant Safe Sleep In response to Child Death Review report Development of culturally relevant resources to increase awareness and control over safe sleep practices

Current Work 11 Birthing support practices back into the hands of women Training to provide emotional, physical and spiritual support to families within their communities during pregnancy Aboriginal Doula Initiative

Current Work 12 Development of a model to enhance discharge planning for children with complex health care needs Community forum in April to follow-up on an earlier community meeting and obtain more input into model Potential demonstration of model on Vancouver Island Complex Needs Discharge Planning

Your Turn… 13 What are the most pressing needs for MCH in your community? How can we best continue to engage with you and your communities?